Consumer perception and use of iron fortified foods is associated with their knowledge and understanding of nutritional issues

AimWe hypothesised that consumer perception on iron fortified foods and consequent introduction of such products to their diets may depend on their knowledge and understanding on nutritional issues, particularly in relation to iron.Methods500 men and women (age 30 ± 12 years) from Athens, Xylokastro, in South Greece and Lamia, in Central Greece participated to the study. Participants were asked about their knowledge in nutritional issues using 28 true/false/do not know questions. These “overall nutrition knowledge” questions were grouped as “general nutrition knowledge” and “iron nutrition knowledge” questions. Answers scored 1, −1 or 0 when correct, wrong or “do not know” respectively. Thus, three different scores were produced, specifically the “overall nutrition knowledge” score, ranging from −28 to 28 and from this, the “general nutrition knowledge” score, ranging from −10 to 10, and the “iron nutrition knowledge” score, ranging from −18 to 18. Perception and consumption of iron fortified products were evaluated and associated with the scores.ResultsUnadjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that one point increase of overall nutrition knowledge score was associated with 4.3% higher likelihood that the consumer believes that iron fortified foods have a positive role in diet (OR = 1.043, 90% CI 1.040–1.080). One point increase of iron nutrition knowledge score was associated with 20% higher likelihood of consuming iron fortified foods more often (OR = 1.200, 90% CI 1.074–1.340).ConclusionsConsumer perception on iron fortified foods seems to be associated with nutrition knowledge and highlight the importance of focused nutrition education in consumer informed choices.

► Perception and use of iron fortified foods may depend on understanding Nutrition.
► A questionnaire was developed and administered to 500 participants.
► This evaluated their nutrition knowledge and perception of iron fortified foods.
► Advancing nutrition knowledge improves consumer perception or use of iron fortified foods.
► This study highlights the importance of focused nutrition education in consumer informed choices.